Heat rigor
The heat rigidity or heat rigidity is, a state in the cold-blooded date (poikilothermic) animals if the temperature rises above the maximum tolerated.
In the case of heat rigor, the life processes are brought to a standstill by an increase in temperature, in contrast to cold rigor , in which this standstill is brought about by a drop in temperature.
Physiology of Rigid Heat
Like every organism, animals have an optimum temperature. If this optimum is exceeded, heat rigidity, heat coma or even heat death can occur. This leads to a temporary immobility, muscle activity is no longer possible.
The organism is initially exposed to heat stress , convulsions ( febrile convulsions ) can develop, and with increased hyperthermia, heat rigidity occurs. Vital body functions are restricted.
Heat rigor involves irreversible processes, as the proteins and enzymes coagulate due to high temperatures , which can lead to temporary or permanent damage and ultimately to heat death . Since the reactions leading to heat death are complex, it does not make sense to specify a specific threshold temperature. External factors such as pressure, humidity, duration and course of the temperature rise are just as important as physiological factors such as nutritional status, size of lack of fluids or acclimatization of the living being.
literature
- Katharina Munk: pocket textbook biology: evolution - ecology . Thieme Verlag, 1st edition. Stuttgart 2009, ISBN 978-3-1-3144-8811 .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Christa Kirberger: Studies on the temperature dependence of life processes in various invertebrates. In: Journal for Comparative Physiology 35, No. 3, 1953, pp. 175-198, doi: 10.1007 / BF00340959 .